Happiness Test

Is your glass half-full or half-empty? On those days when nothing in your life seems to be going right, it can be really tough to see the silver lining among all those clouds. However, it's during these times when the ability to see the good in even the worst situations is so important. An optimistic attitude benefits not only your mental health, but your physical well-being as well. Take this test to see where you fall on the optimism/pessimism continuum.

This test is made up of two types of questions: scenarios and self-assessment. For each scenario, answer according to how you would most likely behave in a similar situation. For the self-test questions, indicate the extent to which you agree with the given statements. In order to receive the most accurate results, please answer each question as honestly as possible.

After finishing this test you will receive a FREE snapshot report with a summary evaluation and graph. You will then have the option to purchase the full results for $4.95

This test is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or for the treatment of any health condition. If you would like to seek the advice of a licensed mental health professional you can search Psychology Today's directory here.

Exam Information

An test proctor will begin memorizing test instructions approximately 15 minutes before the test start time. Students must be in the test room with their test at this time. If taking the test on a laptop, it must be booted up and have passed the security check. Hand writers must not have a laptop with them in an test room, unless otherwise allowed according to the professor’s instructions. A student entering the test room after the proctor begins memorizing instructions will not receive additional time for booting up their laptop, passing the security check, and/or memorizing test instructions.

When instructed by the proctor, write your test number on the cover page of your exam, bluebooks, and any scratch paper you turn in as part of your exam. Handwritten test answers must be written in blue books in blue or black ink. Number the bluebooks you use (1 of 1, 1 of 2, 2 of 2, etc.). Proctors will allow time to read the professor’s instructions. Other than counting the number of pages of the exam, students are not permitted to turn the page of an test past the instructions page until the proctor instructs them to do so.

When taking a closed-book exam, no books, outlines, book bags, purses, or scratch paper (other than the scratch paper provided) may be at your seat during the exam. These items must be left outside of the test room or in the front or sides of the test room. Students may not begin to write anything, including on scratch paper, before the proctor begins a closed-book exam.

Students taking in-class exams are prohibited from having any electronic communication device, other than a laptop as allowed per the professor's instructions, during the exam. Cell phones and smart watches must be turned off during the test and placed in a bag or backpack. Violations of this rule may be considered an Honor Code violation. A clock in each test room will be the official timekeeper for the exam.

Non-alcoholic beverages are permitted in test rooms; however, the container must have a lid.

After the test instructions have been read and the test begins, the proctor will remain in the room. Any student who has a question or problem during an test should see the proctor.

Students may use the restroom or take a break during an exam. However, all test materials must be left in the test room and no additional time will be given. Students must sign in and out at the front of the room with the proctor.

How to Sell Your House

Completing a home sale can require a lot of time, planning, paperwork and, yes, money. While it’s possible to list your home for sale by owner, most people get help from a real estate agent.

Here’s a guide to the steps you’ll encounter in selling your home.

FIND AN AGENT AT HOMELIGHT

Visit HomeLight to find the right real estate agent for you. Get started now to see your personalized matches.

1. Make repairs and upgrades

After you’ve decided to sell — but before you list your home — start by doing a walk-through inside and outside your property. Fix any small problems you find from routine wear and tear, such as loose pieces of siding, dents in the drywall or a missing drawer pull.

As for the bigger stuff: Note the age of your home’s HVAC system, roof, insulation, water heater and other major features. If anything would raise a red flag in a potential buyer’s home inspection, you might be better off upgrading now to increase the quality of your offers.

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NerdWallet's ratings are determined by their editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.

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NerdWallet's ratings are determined by their editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.

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NerdWallet's ratings are determined by their editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.

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NerdWallet's ratings are determined by their editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.

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NerdWallet's ratings are determined by their editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.

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NerdWallet's ratings are determined by their editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.

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NerdWallet's ratings are determined by their editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.

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NerdWallet's ratings are determined by their editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.

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NerdWallet's ratings are determined by their editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.

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NerdWallet's ratings are determined by their editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.

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NerdWallet's ratings are determined by their editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.

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NerdWallet's ratings are determined by their editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.

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NerdWallet's ratings are determined by their editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.

on Bethpage Federal Credit Union

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NerdWallet's ratings are determined by their editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.

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NerdWallet's ratings are determined by their editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.

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NerdWallet's ratings are determined by their editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.

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NerdWallet's ratings are determined by their editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.

2. Find a real estate agent (or commit to FSBO)

It’s tempting to consider listing your home as “for sale by owner.” The biggest plus: You’d save money on the listing agent’s commission. But a FSBO (pronounced "fizbo") transaction requires a significant time commitment as well as industry knowledge and marketing savvy.

Even what seem like the easy parts of selling — like showing your house — can be awkward without an agent, especially hearing candid (and sometimes painful) comments about your home.

Often, an experienced listing agent who knows your local market is worth every penny. They can advocate for your interests during the transaction and can guide you when unexpected situations arise.

If you decide to hire a real estate agent, interview at least three contenders to find the right fit.

3. Analyze your market and comparables

Taking an objective view of your local real estate market will help you manage your expectations. In a seller’s market, you might expect multiple bids above your opening listing price. But in a buyer’s market, you may have to discount your asking price.

Your agent will gather information on recently sold homes — called comparables, or "comps" — to help you get a ballpark price. Look at homes that are as similar to yours as possible in terms of age, style, location and size. Homes that are currently for sale won't provide you as reliable a picture as sold homes because the asking price isn't necessarily the final price.

So what’s your home really worth?

NerdWallet can show you what your home is worth and update you on changes over time.

4. Set a competitive price

Once your agent has analyzed the comps, they will help you set a list price of your home. You’ll want to have a little cushion for negotiation — unless you live in a hot seller’s market. But don’t be tempted to overprice your property. Generally, the longer your house stays on the market, the less you’ll get.

You’ll want to take your expenses into account, including a commission of 5% to 6%.

Even if you go without an agent, you’ll have marketing expenses such as signs, flyers, listing costs or professional photography.

5. Stage your home

When staging, focus on maximizing your home’s marketability. Your listing agent can help you envision your home as a potential buyer. Ultimately, the goal is to make it a blank slate so a buyer can see themselves living there. That means boxing up family photos, painting walls as needed and putting that cushy-but-worn recliner out of sight.

You can stage your home yourself or hire a professional stager who can help prepare a home for sale for a fee. Your listing agent can likely recommend a professional in your area. A professional home stager will often remove half the furniture in a home to make it appear larger. In a 2022 survey, the International Association of Home Staging Professionals found that staged homes can sell at least twice as fast and for as much as 20% more than nonstaged homes on average.

6. Post your listing and market the property

You’ve probably noticed online listings that have a little extra sizzle, with bold and bright photography and engaging descriptions of the property for sale. You can write a listing description yourself or ask your agent or a professional copywriter for help.

The value of professional photography cannot be overstated. National Association of Realtors (NAR) data from 2022 found that of home buyers searching online, 85% found photos very useful. Great real estate photography highlights your home’s best features. Natural light and eye-level angles make for realistic, but flattering, photos — and don’t forget to clear any clutter.

Digital tools, such as a 3D virtual tour or virtual staging, make it convenient to bring your property to life online. And an open house can draw interested buyers in real life. Plan to host one the weekend after the property goes on the market for the best visibility.

7. Get ready to negotiate

All of the finer points of negotiating with prospective buyers can be time-consuming and patience-testing — and this is where good real estate agents really earn their commission.

If you receive multiple offers, consider more than just price. A buyer’s timeline is a major factor to consider, especially if you’re buying and selling at the same time. Your agent can help you compare the different offers' financing, terms and contingencies so you can decide which is best for you.

Did you know...

According to 2021 NAR data, the typical price for homes sold via agents was $330,000, or roughly $105,000 more than the median price of owner-sold homes, which was $225,000. Some of that difference may be attributed to FSBO homes being lower cost. But if you're considering selling your own home just to save money on the agent’s commission, it may not be worth it.

If your house sells before you find one to buy, you might want to trigger a “rent-back” agreement from the new owners. This gives you time to complete the purchase of your new home and prepare for the move, even after your current house has sold.

8. Prepare for the closing

With or without an agent, you’ll need to make your home available for an appraisal and likely for an inspection. If the offer is contingent on a satisfactory home inspection, issues that pop up can trigger some back-and-forth and may require additional repairs.

Contingencies are market-driven factors. Generally, the higher the housing demand, the fewer conditions are placed on a sale. In an especially hot real estate market, a buyer might offer to waive contingencies like the home inspection.

You'll also want to be ready to foot the bill for some of the closing costs. Which costs are the seller's responsibility vary depending on state and local laws as well as on your agreement with the buyers. Make sure you've gone through the purchase contract in detail so you know what to expect.

9. Plan your move

After the effort it takes to sell your house, the most frantic period may be when it comes time to relocate. Coordinating movers, packing and handling a change of address — they each require a lot of attention to detail.

But after it all, there is some good news: the payoff. Once you sell your home, the IRS generally allows you to take up to a $250,000 gain on the sale, tax-free. If you’re married and file jointly, double that to $500,000.

The bad news? Selling your house for a loss is not tax-deductible.

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NerdWallet's ratings are determined by their editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.

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NerdWallet's ratings are determined by their editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.

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NerdWallet's ratings are determined by their editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.

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NerdWallet's ratings are determined by their editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.

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NerdWallet's ratings are determined by their editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.

on Bethpage Federal Credit Union

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NerdWallet's ratings are determined by their editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.

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NerdWallet's ratings are determined by their editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.

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NerdWallet's ratings are determined by their editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.

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NerdWallet's ratings are determined by their editorial team. The scoring formula incorporates coverage options, customer experience, customizability, cost and more.

How do I sell a house myself?

Choosing the "for sale by owner" route means you'll take on many duties that would usually fall to a listing agent. That includes researching comparable sales to set a price, finding ways to market the home and showing it to potential buyers. You may need a real estate attorney to help with preparing and reviewing documents; in some states, a lawyer is required for any real estate transaction.

Where do I start when selling my house?

Whether you plan to work with a listing agent or go FSBO, the first step in Preparing to sell your house is often a tuneup. That can mean cleaning and decluttering, sprucing up plantings and repainting surfaces, and making minor repairs that would come up during a home inspection.

What is the fastest way to sell your house?

If you live in a market with iBuyers and your property fits their qualifications, selling your home to an iBuyer may be the fastest way to sell a house. IBuyers generally provide you an offer within days, and you may be able to close in as little as two weeks. If an iBuyer won't work for your situation or property, find a listing agent with a proven track record of closing deals. You might also prioritize cash offers, which typically take much less time to close than offers that require a mortgage lender's approval.

How do I sell a house myself?

Choosing the

"for sale by owner"

route means you'll take on many duties that would usually fall to a listing agent. That includes researching comparable sales to set a price, finding ways to market the home and showing it to potential buyers. You may need a

real estate attorney

to help with preparing and reviewing documents; in some states, a lawyer is required for any real estate transaction.

Where do I start when selling my house?

Whether you plan to work with a

listing agent

or go

FSBO

, the first step in Preparing to sell your house is often a tuneup. That can mean cleaning and decluttering, sprucing up plantings and repainting surfaces, and making minor repairs that would come up during a

home inspection

.

What is the fastest way to sell your house?

If you live in a market with

iBuyers

and your property fits their qualifications, selling your home to an iBuyer may be the fastest way to sell a house. IBuyers generally provide you an offer within days, and you may be able to close in as little as two weeks. If an iBuyer won't work for your situation or property, find a

listing agent

with a proven track record of closing deals. You might also prioritize

cash offers

, which typically take much less time to close than offers that require a mortgage lender's approval.